Ukraine Returns 11 More Children From Occupied Kherson Region, Bringing 2026 Total to 230

Ukraine has returned 11 more children from Russian-occupied parts of the Kherson region, bringing the number brought back from the region this year to 230, Kherson Regional Military Administration head Oleksandr Prokudin said on October 19.

The children, eight boys and three girls, range in age from 13 months to 17 years. Among those brought to safe territory is a nine-year-old boy who was subjected to mandatory military preparation at a local school in the occupied area. After he drew a Ukrainian flag, his family received direct threats from FSB officers.

Another returned minor, a 13-year-old girl named Polina, endured a Russian strike near her home that left her traumatized and afraid to leave her residence.

The children are currently receiving medical, psychological, and social support from specialists as they recover from their experiences during Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

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Earlier, on June 16, five girls and eight boys aged 3 to 17 were returned to Ukrainian-controlled territory from the occupied areas of the Kherson region.

The rescue operation was carried out under the Bring Kids Back UA initiative after the minors endured severe conditions under Russian control, where some faced execution threats, forced military registration, and compulsory weapons training.

Following their return, the children underwent a full reintegration process at specialized centers, receiving essential psychological support, legal documentation assistance, and a secure environment.

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